I was shocked and saddened to learn of Blake's passing. During the last few years we worked together, I spent a lot of time discussing current events, politics, grandkids, sports, dogs and more with him. He was a rare renaissance man. I will miss him greatly and offer the Stafford family our sympathies.

I worked with Blake, and got to know him well in the latter part of his career, as we spoke frequently. We shared many conversations about a wide variety of topics, including current events, sports, our dogs and our families. Blake was really a unique person - a renaissance man of many skills and interests - as were many of his friends. I am very saddened to hear of his passing.